'Things got weird': Entitled Karen upset when neighbor demands she and her kids stop using his pool without consent, she responds with a list of ridiculous pool rules

Author image for Isabella Penn
Isabella Penn
Oct 11, 2024 7:00 AM EDT

Things got weird fast when a man generously allowed his Karen neighbor and her kids to use his pool. At first, it was no big deal—she would ask, and he didn't mind. But things took a turn when she started showing up unannounced, even using the pool when he wasn't home. The final straw came when he returned from work one day to find Karen throwing a full-blown pool party with her friends, complete with floaties, snacks, and loud music.

He confronted her, explaining that she couldn't just use his pool without permission, and thought that would be the end of it. But Karen had other ideas. Instead of apologizing, she came back with a list of ridiculous pool rules for him to follow. These included no loud music when her family was outside, no swimming after 5 p.m. because her kids had an early bedtime, and mandatory weekend access just for her family. When he refused to follow her "rules," Karen got upset and began spreading rumors to the neighbors, claiming he was being selfish and ruining the neighborhood spirit. Now, he's wondering if standing up to Karen made him the bad guy.

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  • 01
    r/AITAH • 20 hr. ago Accurate-Outside-962 AITA for Refusing to Let 'Karen' Neighbor Use My Pool After She Demanded I Follow Her Pool Rules?
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  • 02
    So, I (34M) live in a suburban neighborhood with a decent- sized backyard and a pool. I've always been friendly with my neighbors, including "Karen" (mid-40s F) who moved in next door about a year ago. She seemed nice at first, but as time
    via u/Accurate-Outside-962
  • 03
    went on, she started to show her true colors. Over the summer, Karen started coming over with her kids, asking if they could use the pool. At first, I didn't mind because I was usually outside anyway, and the kids seemed to enjoy it. But
    via u/Accurate-Outside-962
  • 04
    soon, things got weird. Karen began showing up unannounced, sometimes even when I wasn't home, and I caught her using the pool without my permission. One day, I came home to find Karen and several of her friends having a full-on pool party in my
    via u/Accurate-Outside-962
  • 05
    backyard, complete with snacks, music, and pool floats! I confronted her, and she acted like it was no big deal, saying, "Oh, you weren't using it, so I figured it was fine." I told her politely but firmly that she needed to ask before coming
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  • 06
    over and that I wasn't comfortable with her just assuming she could use the pool whenever. Karen seemed annoyed but agreed to "follow the rules." Then, last week, she took things to a whole new level. Karen
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    knocked on my door with a typed-up list of "pool rules" that she wanted me to follow! Her list included things like:
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    No swimming after 5 PM because "her kids have a strict bedtime." No "loud music" when her family is outside. Mandatory weekend access for her and her kids, but only for their exclusive use.
    via u/Accurate-Outside-962
  • 09
    I thought she was joking at first, but she was dead serious. I laughed and told her there was no way I was following any of her "rules" for my pool. Karen got angry and called me selfish, saying that I was "ruining the neighborhood spirit” and being "unfair to the kids."
    via u/Accurate-Outside-962
  • 10
    Now, she's been spreading rumors to other neighbors that I'm a bad guy for not sharing the pool. Some of the neighbors have even said I should "just let it go" to avoid drama. But I feel like this is insane — it's my pool, and she's acting like she owns it!
    via u/Accurate-Outside-962
  • 11
    AITA for refusing to let Karen and her kids use my pool after she demanded I follow her ridiculous rules? Quick update: Just to let everyone know, my backyard fence doesn't have a lock. I've taken your advice and
    via u/Accurate-Outside-962
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    purchased one from the store, and I'll be installing it tomorrow. For those suggesting I get a camera, I already have one.. But it's not pointing directly at the pool more to the fence entrance
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  • 13
    No_Good_Turn • 20h ago NTA. Karen is insane. Inform her in writing that she and her family are no longer welcome on your property, and if they show up again you will call the authorities. People like her never back down, so you can't either. If you do, you'll never know a moment's peace. Good luck. NTA. 13K Reply
    via u/No_Good_Turn
  • 14
    Webinformal9558 20h ago Edited 17h ago • I can't tell if this is real because what you're describing seems too egregious to be believable (especially the part about the neighbors saying you should have let it go). If it is real, then NTA, your pool, your rules. for wanting to be in You're not an charge of your own property. 1.8K Reply
    via u/Webinformal9558
  • 15
    NaturesVividPictures • 20h ago • NTA. If you want to throw someone under the bus use your home insurance company. Tell them that you inquired with them about allowing the neighbor to come over and use your pool anytime they wanted and they said no because legally if something happens that the homeowner yourself would be the one ultimately responsible so you're not about to take on that liability. If she wants her kids to swim
    via u/NaturesVividPictures
  • 16
    then she's going to have to buy a pool membership somewhere I'm sure there's a public pool somewhere in your area that she could pay to belong to. Oh yeah if you don't have outside cameras for your backyard get them now and put a lock on your gate. 338 Reply
    via u/NaturesVividPictures
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    Cheezburger Image 10413550848
    via Unsplash (Getty Images)

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neighbors kids homeowner yard neighborhood-drama parenting karens in the wild backyard entitled property Bad Neighbor karen children
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